
Antonio
Conte thanked Chelsea supporters for their backing after his team bounced
back from consecutive defeats with a 3-0 win over West Brom on
Monday
Night Football.
The victory - just a third in 11 in all competitions - sees Chelsea climb
back above Tottenham into fourth and eases pressure on the Italian.
Conte's future at Stamford Bridge remains the subject of speculation less
than a year after he led them to the Premier League title.
During Monday's game, in which Eden Hazard scored twice as Chelsea saw off
the league's bottom side, the crowd chanted Conte's name after each goal and
the 48-year-old is grateful for their support.
"I have to thank the fans," Conte said. "They showed me great support
because they are reading speculation and rumours about me. I'm grateful to
the fans for supporting me in this way.
"It means that, maybe in our 18 months together, they understand my passion
and my will to defend these colours, this shirt, this badge.
"To feel this atmosphere around me is very important. It's very important to
feel that people appreciate my work here in Chelsea. For me it's important.
"I repeat, me and the players are trying to do our best to give them the
best satisfaction. Sometimes we can do this, sometimes not, but the will is
always present."